Ironing center

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns an ironing station (185) including a cordless iron (2) and a base (3), the iron including first heating means, the base including a first water tank (145), a plate, second means for heating the plate, and this means for heating at least part of the water from the first tank.

FIELD

The present disclosure concerns an ironing station, specific to cordless ironing, equipped with an adapted iron, particularly a steam iron.

BACKGROUND

An ironing sequence with a cordless steam iron can be defined as the ironing time corresponding to the sum of the following times, dedicated by the user to this task:

-   -   on the one hand, phase 1), the time elapsed between the moment         when the piece to be ironed is picked up to be arranged on its         ironing support, stretched, turned over or for any other         installation operation and the moment when the iron is picked         up, ready for work. This time is that during which the iron is         laying on its base to be recharged with power.     -   on the other hand, phase 2), the time elapsed between the time         when the iron ready for the ironing work is picked up, the         flattening or the forming of creases. This time is that during         which the power that has been stored in the iron is used.

A plurality of sequences is sometimes necessary to iron a single piece and the succession applied to all the garments to be ironed forms an ironing sequence.

An ironing session, comprising the succession of sequences such as previously defined, thus comprises a repetitive succession of phases 1) and 2) such as specified hereafter:

1) A recharge phase during which the cordless steam iron is laid on its power supply base. The iron is then electrically supplied and heat power is stored in the iron by taking a mass contained in the iron up to a given temperature threshold, for example, 180° C., using all the available electric power, for example, generally in the range from 2,400 W to 3,000 W for a home.

2) An ironing phase during which the iron is no longer in contact with its power supply base. The heat power accumulated in the iron is then released to, on the one hand, generate steam from the cold water contained in the iron tank, and, on the other hand, take the iron soleplate to and hold it at a temperature sufficient to de-wrinkle the garments.

It should be noted that, over the total duration of an ironing sequence, the respective recharge and ironing times are generally equal, to within 10% or 15%.

There thus is, during each ironing session, in terms of electric power consumption, an all or nothing operation alternation. The heat power stored in the iron during each recharge phase is progressively consumed during the next ironing phase until it has to be renewed. This induces a significant inrush current each time the iron is laid back on its base to be recharged. Repeated inrushes of such a power at short time intervals may be incompatible with current home electric power systems and may cause overheatings or trippings.

SUMMARY

An object of an embodiment is to overcome all or part of the disadvantages of previously-described ironing stations comprising cordless irons.

Another object of an embodiment is for the recharge and ironing phases to be substantially identical to those of known ironing stations comprising cordless irons.

Another object of an embodiment is to decrease, or even to suppress, inrush currents at the beginning of each recharge phase.

Thus, an embodiment provides an ironing station comprising a cordless iron and a base, the iron comprising first heating means, the base comprising a first water tank, a plate, second means for heating the plate, and third means for heating at least part of the water from the first tank.

According to an embodiment, the base comprises a control system capable, when the iron is laying on the plate, of electrically powering the first heating means and of interrupting the electric power supply of the second and third heating means and, when the iron is not laying on the plate, of electrically powering the second and third heating means.

According to an embodiment, the iron comprise a thermal inertia mass. The first heating means are capable of heating the thermal inertia mass and the second heating means are capable of heating the plate to a temperature at least 20° C. higher than the maximum set point temperature of the thermal inertia mass.

According to an embodiment, the first heating means consume an electric power in the range from 1,200 W to 2,400 W, the second heating means consume an electric power in the range from 800 W to 1,600 W, and the third heating means consume an electric power in the range from 600 W to 800 W.

According to an embodiment, the control system is capable of controlling the first, second, and third heating means so that the first heating means are not electrically powered at the same time as the second and third heating means, which results in an electric power consumed by the first heating means smaller than 2,400 W, plus or minus 10%, when the first heating means are used and an accumulation of the electric powers consumed by the second and third heating means smaller than 2,400 W, plus or minus 10%, when the second and third heating means are used.

According to an embodiment, the base comprises a boiler contained in the first tank and the third heating means are capable of heating the water present in the boiler up to a temperature in the range from 95% and 98% of the boiling temperature of water.

According to an embodiment, the control system is an electromechanical system comprising:

-   -   a switch placed on an electric power supply circuit common to         the second and third heating means; and     -   a pusher capable of actuating the switch, the pusher protruding         from the surface of the plate when the iron is not resting on         the plate,

and, when the iron is not resting on the plate, the switch is on and enables current to flow to the second and third heating means and, when the iron is resting on the plate, the iron presses on the pusher, which turns off the switch, which prevents the flowing of the current to the second and third heating means.

According to an embodiment, the station comprises a second tank housed in the iron and the iron comprises a female outlet emerging towards the outside of the iron, the female outlet comprising an anti-backflow system.

According to an embodiment, the iron comprises a sole-plate, the female outlet emerging onto the soleplate.

According to an embodiment, the base comprises a system for injecting water, originating from the first tank and heated in the boiler, comprising an injection nozzle capable of penetrating into the female outlet.

According to an embodiment, the injection system comprises:

-   -   a mobile filling shuttle comprising the injection nozzle;     -   a pipe coupling the filling shuttle to the boiler; and     -   a system for displacing the filling shuttle between a first         position where the injection nozzle is outside of the female         outlet and a second position where the injection nozzle         penetrates into the female outlet.

According to an embodiment, the displacement system comprises at least one first manual control lever.

According to an embodiment, the displacement system comprises at least one electrical actuator.

According to an embodiment, the injection system comprises a system for pumping water from the first tank after it has been heated in the boiler.

According to an embodiment, the pumping system comprises a plunger and at least one second manual control lever capable of actuating the plunger.

According to an embodiment, the pumping system comprises an electrical pump.

According to an embodiment, the injection system further comprises a slide valve actuated by the pusher between a first configuration where the slide valve prevents the flowing of water in the pipe and a second configuration where the slide valve allows the flowing of water in the pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages will be discussed in detail in the following non-limiting description of specific embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial simplified cross-section view of an embodiment of an ironing station comprising a cordless iron;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view with a partial cross-section of a portion of the ironing station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the base of the station of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5 to 8 are cross-section views of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a partial simplified cross-section view of another embodiment of an ironing station comprising a cordless iron;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view with a partial cross-section of a portion of the ironing station of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are partial simplified cross-section views of other embodiments of an ironing station comprising a cordless iron; and

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-section view of another embodiment of an ironing station comprising a cordless iron.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS

For clarity, the same elements have been designated with the same reference numerals in the various drawings and, further, the various drawings are not to scale. The terms “approximately”, “substantially”, and “in the order of” are used herein to designate a tolerance of plus or minus 10%, preferably of plus or minus 5%, of the value in question.

According to an embodiment, the ironing station comprises an iron and a base that may comprise an integrated water tank arranged to enable to obtain ironing results equivalent to those of current cordless steam irons with equivalent ironing sequence times.

According to an embodiment, to take the temperature of the iron mass to a level equivalent to that obtained in known cordless irons, it is provided to use the electric power supplying the base of the station in three different manners to reach a result substantially identical, in terms of ironing performance, to what would be directly obtained by using all the electric power available for the power supply of the station, which for example corresponds to a 2,600-W power.

According to an embodiment, during an ironing session, the use of the electric power supplying the base of the station comprises repeating the three following phases A), B), and C):

-   -   Phase A)—Between 600 W and 800 W are assigned to heating water         contained in a pump boiler assembly forming part of the base.         The water is intended to be injected, hot, preferably at a         temperature close to the boiling point, according to needs, into         the iron tank. The aim is to decrease the power consumption         necessary to the generation of the steam necessary for the         ironing.     -   Phase B)—Between 800 W and 1,600 W are assigned to taking a         heating plate forming part of the base up to a temperature         higher, by for example 50° C., than the iron set point         temperature. The aim is to transfer heat to the iron soleplate,         by conduction, by placing in direct contact the iron soleplate         surface with that of the heating plate.     -   Phase C)—Between 1,200 W and 2,400 W are assigned to heating the         iron mass. Phase C) starts as soon as the iron has been laid         onto the heating plate of the base. Phase C) can only take place         when the power supplies of the pump boiler and of the heating         plate of the base have been cut off. For this purpose, the         placing of the iron on the heating plate of the base interrupts,         by appropriate means, the power supply of the pump boiler and of         the heating plate.

According to an embodiment, the temperature thresholds once reached are regulated, for example, by automatic reset temperature limiters, interrupting or restoring the power supplies according to their respective set point temperatures.

Phases A) and B) may take place together, provided for the accumulation of the demand to remain approximately in the range from 1,600 W to 2,400 W.

All the powers and temperatures are to be calibrated according to the results to be obtained in terms either of ironing, or of temperature rise time.

FIGS. 1 to 8 show an embodiment of an ironing station 1 where the station is manually controlled, for an economical implementation. FIGS. 5 to 8 are cross-sections of FIG. 4 respectively along lines c-c, d-d, a-a, and b-b.

Station 1 comprises an iron 2, partially shown in FIG. 1, and a base 3. Iron 2 comprises a soleplate 4 intended to be brought into contact with the garment to be dewrinkled during each ironing phase and intended to be laid on base 3 during each recharge phase.

The elements of station 1 according to the present embodiment will now be described by being grouped according to the different functions carried out by the station. One can thus distinguish:

-   -   the elements carrying out heating and temperature regulation         functions, called heating function hereafter;     -   the elements carrying out functions using water, particularly         the water supply, the circulating of water and the vaporization         of water, and called water function hereafter; and     -   the elements carrying out functions of mechanical connection,         particularly the casing, and of electrical connection,         particularly the controls of the station elements.

The elements taking part in the heating function and forming part of iron 2 comprise a tubular heater (ECT) 10, shown in FIG. 1, having a power for example in the range from 1,200 W to 2,400 W, incorporated in soleplate 4 of iron 2 and overmolded to form a vaporization chamber 11, powered via a power cord 13 when iron 2 is laying on base 3. The temperature regulation of soleplate 4 of iron 2 may be performed by a thermostat implanted therein.

The elements taking part in the heating function and forming part of base 3 comprise:

-   -   A power tubular heater 14 in the range from 800 W to 1,600 W         overmolded in a heating plate 15 of base 3 to form a heating         subassembly 103, powered via power cord 13. The regulation of         the temperature of tubular heater 14 may be performed by an         automatic reset temperature limiter 16 associated therewith,         calibrated to regulate a high temperature, for example, from         20° C. to 50° C., as compared with the set point temperature of         soleplate 4 of the iron.     -   A tubular heater 19, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, having a power in         the range from 600 W to 800 W overmolded in a heating bottom 23         placed under a pump boiler 20 and directly powered via power         cord 13. The temperature regulation of tubular heater 19 may be         performed by an automatic reset temperature limiter 21,         calibrated to regulate its temperature, for example, between         90° C. and 105° C.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, heating subassembly 103 comprises:

-   -   tubular heater 14;     -   heating plate 15 overmolding tubular heater 14, for example, by         aluminum pressure casting;     -   the surface of heating plate 15 which comes into contact with         soleplate 4 of iron 2, shown in dotted lines in FIG. 5, when         iron 2 is laying on base 3, and advantageously capable of         corresponding to a counter-form copy of the surface of soleplate         4, copying in particular the cones of the steam holes and the         different patterns which may possibly be deposited on the         surface of soleplate 4;     -   automatic reset temperature limiter 16;     -   a limiter clamp 104, shown in FIG. 5, for example made of a         dished plate, held in place by rivets 15 a obtained by casting         of the metal of heating plate 15;     -   a connecting strip 105, shown in FIG. 5, of electric connection         between limiter 16 and tubular heater 14;     -   a front guide 106, shown in FIG. 7, fastened by a screw 109         under the front portion of heating plate 15; and     -   a left-hand rear guide 107 and a symmetrical right-hand rear         guide 108, shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, fastened to the back portion         of heating plate 15, for example, by crimping of rivets 15 b         obtained by casting of the metal of heating plate 15.

Guides 106, 107, 108 are preferably made of a material withstanding temperatures higher than 300° C., for example, polytetrafluoroethylene. They may comprise centering slopes C, shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, provided to house and guide iron 2 when it is laid on base 3, and support bearings P, shown in FIG. 6, having soleplate 4 bearing thereon, used as a limit to its sinking into base 3. Support bearings P are used to create and maintain a clearance J, for example, in the range from 0.02 mm to 0.07 mm between the surface of heating plate 15 and that of soleplate 4. The aims of support bearings P and of clearance J are to avoid shocks risking deteriorating one or the other of the surfaces and to absorb deformations or flatness or manufacturing defects, while ensuring the presence of an air blade of very small thickness, quite unlikely to alter the heat power transfer between heating plate 15 and soleplate 4 of iron 2 when the latter is laid on base 3 for the recharge phase.

A microswitch 17, shown in FIG. 1, is placed on the power supply circuit of heating subassembly 103 and of heating bottom 23 and, when iron 2 is laying elsewhere than on base 4, on its heel, for example, it allows the flowing of the power supply current. When iron 2 is laid on heating plate 15, it presses on a pusher 18 which actuates microswitch 17 to cut off the current, which interrupts the power supply of ETC 14 of heating plate 15 and the power supply of ETC 19 of heating bottom 23.

The elements of station 1 according to the present embodiment taking part in the water function will now be described in relation with FIG. 1.

The elements of iron 2 taking part in the water function comprise:

-   -   a tank 26; and     -   a water discharge of tank 26 through a female outlet 27 forming         part of iron 2, for example comprising a ball 28, a spring 29,         and a screw of compression of spring 30. These three pieces         fulfill the anti-backflow function preventing any water leakage         once the filling device has been removed.

The elements of base 3 taking part in the water function comprise:

-   -   a tank 22 partly used as a support for some of the components of         base 3;     -   a water inlet into tank 22, the filling of tank 22 being         performed by pouring water into a flexible pipe 25 after the         removing of a plug 24, which is put back in place after the         filling;     -   a filling shuttle 31 mobile in a supporting cradle 32;     -   a guide 34 fastened on supporting cradle 32 and which ensures         the guiding of one end of shuttle 31;     -   a pipe 35, for example, made of silicone, of connection between         filling shuttle 31 and pump boiler 20.     -   pump boiler 20 submerged in water tank 22;     -   three check valves equipping pump boiler 20; and     -   a slide valve 60 assembled on tank 22.

Shuttle 31 comprises three portions:

an end oriented towards iron 2 forming a cannula 31 a intended to be introduced into female outlet 27 of iron 2 and provided, for example, with two O-rings 33 to ensure the tightness when water is injected into tank 26 of iron 2; a central portion 31 b of parallelepipedal shape supporting two pins 31 c which enable to move shuttle 31 between the top and the bottom; and a downward-facing end comprising an olive 31 d.

Shuttle 31 is thoroughly crossed by a hole 31 e. Pipe 35 is for example force fit on olive 31 d.

Pump boiler 20, shown in detail in FIG. 2, comprises:

-   -   a lower portion 40, for example, made of a dished plate,         equipped with an attachment fitting 40 a and with a check valve         holder 40 b;     -   an upper portion 41, for example, dished, equipped with a         plunger guide tube 41 a, with a discharge pipe 41 b, and with a         check valve holder 41 c. All these parts may be made of         stainless steel and assembled by welding;     -   a plunger 42 naturally in raised position, for example         comprising a plunger shaft 42 a, a screwed bearing 43, a spring         for example calibrated between 80 g and 150 g, a bearing plate         45, a flexible valve 46, a resilient membrane 47, and a closing         plate 48. All these parts may be mounted or assembled together         in the order in which they have been mentioned, all being         maintained in place on plunger shaft 42 a for example by hot         crimping of spurs 48 a. Plunger 42 may freely slide within         plunger guide tube 41 a. The head of plunger shaft 42 a is         provided with a crimped shaft 53 which enables to actuate the         pump. Two O-rings 49 provide a tight separation between the         inside of tank 22 and the outside; and     -   a resilient membrane 47, of circular shape, imprisoned between         lower portion 40 and upper portion 41 assembled together, for         example, by bolts 50, which enables to determine an upper         chamber 51 and a lower chamber 52.

The three check valves equipping pump boiler 20 may have an identical structure, while being calibrated differently. They comprise: A suck-in check valve 54 for example calibrated between 150 g and 300 g, used to fill lower chamber 52 with the tank water; a discharge check valve 55 for example calibrated between 300 g and 600 g intended for the discharge of water from upper chamber 51 in the case of a rise of resilient membrane 47 while discharge pipe 41 b is shut; and a security check valve 56 for example calibrated between 400 g and 800 g intended to discharge the water from lower chamber 52 in the case of an overpressure.

The assembly comprising pump boiler 20 and heating bottom 23 may be fastened to tank 22 via a screw 57 enabling to tighten it thereon, for example, via a metal cup 58, by compressing a seal 59.

Slide valve 60, shown in FIG. 1, connects discharge pipe 41 b of pump boiler 20 to silicone pipe 35 which is force-fit on a tip 60 a comprised therein, which is pierced with a hole having a diameter identical to that of pipe 35 and in line with discharge pipe 41 b. Slide valve 60 integrates a sleeve 61, two O-rings, a spring 63, and an adjustment plug 64. Sleeve 61 comprises a circular groove 61 a which, if it is positioned in front of discharge pipe 41 b and opposite the hole of tip 60 a, enables water to freely circulate between pump boiler 20 and silicon pipe 35. Spring 63 automatically takes back the valve to its closed position as soon as iron 2 is separated from base 3.

The elements of station 1 taking part in the functions of inner connection and of control of the elements specific to the heating function comprise:

-   -   Two pins contacts and a ground 68 forming part of iron 2.     -   Two female junctions 70 forming part of base 3 and ensuring the         power supply of the pin contacts 68 to which they are connected         when iron 2 is laying on base 3.     -   A connector support 71, assembled on tank 22, supporting female         junctions 70 and overmolding connecting strips on which are         welded metal wires ensuring electric connections, among which:         -   a bar 72 connected to the positive wire of the power supply             cord, supporting wires 73, 74 75 respectively powering             tubular heaters 10, 14, and 19;         -   a connecting strip 76 connected to the neutral wire of the             power supply cord, supporting wires 77, 78 79 respectively             connected to tubular heaters 10, 14, and 19; and         -   a connecting strip 80 connected to the ground wire of the             power supply cord, supporting wires 81, 82 respectively             grounding tubular heaters 10, 14, and 19.     -   Screws 100 for fastening heating plate 15, where screws 100 may         be thermally isolated by silicone pads 102, shown in FIG. 7, on         the sides of supporting cradle 32 for the tip portion of the         iron, and on walls 22 a originating from tank 22 for the heel         portion of the iron.

This type of fastening will provide a cold wall effect for a casing 101, isolating all the parts of base 3 that it contains from the outside.

The elements of station 1 taking part in the functions of inner connection and of control of the elements specific to the water function comprise:

-   -   a mechanical actuator 83, shown in FIG. 1, of shuttle 31;     -   a flexible blade retainer 85;     -   knobs 86 a, 86 b;     -   an assembly of levers of control of plunger 42 of pump boiler         20;     -   an assembly of control of slide valve 60; and     -   a clamping nosepiece 97.

The mechanical actuator 83, shown in FIG. 1, of shuttle 31 supports a fork 83 a having notches 83 b trapping spurs 31 c of shuttle 31. Actuator 83 also supports a guide cylinder 83 d, a connection wall 83 e between the fork and the guide cylinder, a stop pin 83 f, and a junction 83 g having knob 86 a screwed therein. Actuator 83 freely slides in a hole 32 a supported by a connection element 32 b connecting the sides of supporting cradle 32 together, and in a guide bearing 84 fastened to a wall 32 c, for example by hot crimping of spurs 32 d.

Flexible blade retainer 85 is for example crimped on guide 34 and is formed to receive stop pin 83 f which will maintain in high or low position shuttle 31. Knob 86 a is screwed in junction 83 g.

The assembly of control levers of plunger 42 of pump boiler 20 comprises:

-   -   an angular lever 87 with offset arms comprising a short arm 87 b         and a long arm 87 c, each supporting at its end a notching 87 a.         The notching of short arm 87 b controls plunger shaft 42 a via         crimped shaft 53;     -   an angular relay lever 88 controlled via notching 87 a of long         arm 87 c, which drives a circular pad 88 a; and     -   a straight lever 89 provided with a fork 89 a to control the         rotation of relay lever 88 via a circular pad 88 a. Lever 89 is         equipped at its end on the outer side with knob 86 b.

Angular lever 87 pivots around a shaft 90 and is laterally maintained in place by the sides of connection support 91 connecting supporting cradle 32, of same width, to tank 22 by gluing or crimping. Straight lever 89 pivots around an axis 92 and is laterally maintained in position by the sides of supporting cradle 32. Relay lever 88 pivots around an axis 93 fastened on the side of tank 22.

The assembly of control of slide valve 60 comprises a rocker arm 94 pivoting around an axis 95 fastened to wall 22 a extending from tank 22, and pusher 18 freely circulating in a plunger guide 96 also connected to wall 22 a. Pusher 18 fulfills a double function: on the one hand, as soon as the beginning of its travel caused by the laying back in place of the iron on heating plate 15, pusher 18 cuts off, by actuating microswitch 17, the power supply of heating plate 15 and the power supply of heating bottom 23 and, on the other hand, pusher 18 actuates sleeve 61, thus allowing the flowing of hot water from pump boiler 20 intended to fill, on demand, tank 26 of the iron.

Clamping nosepiece 97 is operable by an integrated ring 97A, supporting a resilient band 98 which, when it is applied to the iron nose without marking it, holds it in position, during the transport or the storage thereof as well as during the filling of water tank 26 of iron 2 at the time of the introduction of shuttle 31. Clamping nosepiece 97 also comprises a simple arm 97 b supporting at its end a wedging pad 97 c. Wedging pad 97 c is intended to maintain clamping nosepiece 97 in open or closed position, where it is pinched in another flexible blade retainer 85 fastened to wall 32 b of supporting cradle 32 by gluing or crimping. Clamping nosepiece 97 pivots around a shaft 102. It is laterally held in position by the sides of supporting cradle 32.

More or less automated embodiments of the ironing station will now be described based on the previously-described embodiment of manually-controlled station 1.

FIGS. 9 to 11 show another embodiment of an ironing station 110 with a semi-automated control. FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of FIG. 10 along line A-A.

Concerning the heating function, ironing station 110 comprises all the elements of station 1 taking part in the heating of iron 2 and all the elements of station 1 taking part in the heating of heating subassembly 103. However, the heating bottom 23 of station 1 is replaced in station 110 by a plunger subassembly 120 comprising:

-   -   a ceramic 121;     -   a finned plate 122;     -   a clamping plate 123; and     -   a seal 124 comprising two cells 124 a.

Ceramic 121, shown in FIG. 10, is a ceramic having a positive temperature coefficient, also called CTP ceramic. It is self-regulating within the same limits as those defined for the temperature limiter 21 which was associated with tubular heater 19, that is, for example, from 90° C. to 105° C. Ceramic 121 is sandwiched between plates 122 and 123. Plate 123 may be partially provided with fins. The closing of the sandwich may be performed by the crimping of rivets 122 a originating from the material of finned plate 122. It will be made sure to calculate the clamping to avoid risking breaking ceramic 121, and a thermally conductive grease layer may be interposed between these elements to suppress a possible air layer. Clamping plate 123 comprises two wire guide recesses 123 a and a central body 123 b as well as fins 123 c having spiral shapes capable of avoiding a fast mixing of the sucked-in water and of the discharged water.

Once assembled, plunger subassembly 120 forms a tight assembly having two supply wires 125 and 126 extending therefrom.

As concerns the heating function, station 110 comprises:

-   -   a boiler 127 replacing pump boiler 20;     -   a feeding shuttle 139 replacing filling shuttle 31;     -   a supporting tank 145 replacing tank 22; and     -   a motorization assembly 153.

Boiler 127 comprises:

-   -   a dished cover 128 equipped with two check valves holders 128 a;     -   a dished bottom 129 equipped with a check valve holder 129 a,         with a discharge pipe 129 b and with studs 129 d, where these         parts may be made of stainless steel and the check valve holders         are tightly welded;     -   a security check valve 132 forming a pressure relief valve in         case of an overheating of boiler 127;     -   a water intake check valve 133; and     -   a surge protection valve 134 having a plug 134 a continued by a         cylindrical portion intended to receive an O-ring 135.

The tight assembly between cover 128 and bottom 129 is ensured by the tightening of a seal 130 between the two parts for example by means, either of bolts 131, or of a peripheral crimping 129 c.

The fastening of plunger subassembly 120 in boiler 127 may be performed by a fastening screw 138, after the placing of a seal 137 on the edge of clamping plate 123.

Feeding shuttle 139 is mobile in holes provided in walls 140 a and 140 c of a supporting cradle 140. Shuttle 139 comprises:

-   -   a cannula 139 a located at the end on the side of iron 2 and         intended to be introduced into female outlet 27 or iron 2.         Cannula 139 a is provided with two O-rings 33 to ensure the         tightness when the water is injected into the iron tank and it         is thoroughly crossed by a hole 139 b;     -   a central portion 139 c of parallelepipedal shape which, by         sliding on bearings 140 a of supporting cradle 140, guarantees         the rotation-less displacement of the shuttle assembly;     -   an endless screw portion 141 provided at its end on the pump         side with an olive 141 a and at its end on the side of iron 2         with a threaded tip 141 b, the threading being used to connect         cannula portion 139 a to endless screw portion 141. The         tightness of such a connection is guaranteed by a seal 142         placed on threaded tip 141 b. A hole 141 c thoroughly crosses         endless screw 141;     -   a spring 143; and     -   a ball 144.

Spring 143 and ball 144 installed in cannula 139 a form a backflow preventing or check function, ball 144 obstructing, at rest, under the action of spring 143, hole 141 c.

Supporting tank 145 is partly used as a support for some of the components of base 3 of station 110. Tank 145 is filled by the pouring of water into flexible pipe 25 after the removal of plug 24, which it put back in place after the filling. In particular, tank 145 supports:

-   -   boiler 127, equipped with plunger subassemblies 120, submerged         in the water contained in the boiler;     -   the connector support 71 of station 1 totally kept with all the         components that it supports;     -   the slide valve 60 of station 1 tightly welded and/or glued to         tank 145, totally kept, having one end of a silicone pipe 152         sleeved on its outlet, the other end being fitted on olive 141 a         of feeding shuttle 139;     -   a bent pipe 146 connecting surge protection valve 134 to pump         147 and to slide valve 60;     -   two vertical walls 145 a supporting the back of heating         subassembly 103;     -   an extension 145 b; and     -   a mini-pump 147 installed on extension 145 b connected, on the         suck-in side, to discharge tube 129 b by a flexible connector         150 and, on the discharge side, to bent pipe 146 by a flexible         sleeve 151.

Motorization assembly 153 comprises:

-   -   a motion source 154. Motion source 154 may comprises an         actuator, for example, a motor associated with an independent         gear system or a gear motor rotating at a predetermined speed.         Whatever the selected means, the rotation direction should be         reversible and there should be a capacity of controlling the         length of travel C of feeding shuttle 139 in one direction or         the other. One may proceed either by revolution counting, either         by association with a measurement of the operating time or also         by installation of electromechanical stroke control means;     -   a drive gear 155 driven by the shaft of motion source 154;     -   a counterdriven gear 156 comprising a hub provided with female         splines 156 a;     -   a drive nut 157 screwed on the endless screw portion 141 of         feeding shuttle 139 supporting male splines 157 a; and     -   a holding plate 148 fastened to wall 140 c by fastening means,         for example, by hollow rivets 159.

All these elements may be installed between walls 140 b and 140 c of supporting cradle 140 and fastened in place as soon as the center-to-center distances have been adjusted.

As for the function of electric connection of the elements of station 110 taking part in the water function, the switches embedded in casing 101 are powered by a cable 167 coupling the outputs of a general switch 160 to the different motor-driven components of the water function. The connections are performed according to needs, either by wires, or by welded metal connections.

In particular, station 110 comprises:

-   -   a connection 170 coupled to the +phase of power supply cord 167,         supplying motorization assembly 153 from which a wire 171 leaves         towards a switch 161 and a wire 172 leaves towards a switch 162;     -   a connection 173 coupling switch 162 to switch 163, itself         coupled to switch 161 by a wire 174;     -   a connection 175 coupling the three switches 161, 162, 163 to         one of the outputs of a microswitch 164, the other output being         coupled by a connection 176 to the negative wire of cord 167;     -   a connection 177 coupling mini-pump 147 to switch 163 and a         connection 178 coupling it to power supply cable 167.

As concerns the function of mechanical connection of the elements of station 110 taking part in the water function, the mini-pump 147 installed on extension 145 b is maintained via plates 148, for example, fastened by crimping of rivets 149 and boiler 127 is fastened to tank 145 via nuts 179 screwed on studs 129 d. A gasket ring 180 locally pierced to give way to studs 129 d ensures the thermal isolation between the latter and the bottom of tank 145.

As concerns the control function, station 110 comprises general switch 160 which allows all startings and the entire heating function.

The different power supplies of the water function are controlled by:

-   -   the “forward” switch 161. A given pulse starts motorization         assembly 153, which actuates the feeding shuttle to introduce it         into female outlet 27. It is automatically stopped after having         traveled stroke C;     -   the “return” switch 162. A given pulse activates motorization         assembly 153 in the reverse direction. The feeding shuttle is         removed from female outlet 27. It is automatically stopped after         having traveled return stroke C back to its initial position;     -   switch 163. A sustained pulse enables the user to actuate         mini-pump 147 for the time to inject into tank 26 of iron 2 the         desired quantity of water. The stopping of the pressing on the         switch control cuts off the supply of mini-pump 147.

In addition to the security devices specific to the heating function, which are entirely kept, as well as the keeping in place, identically, of clamping nosepiece 97, station 110, to guarantee a proper operation of the elements taking part in the water function, may comprise:

-   -   microswitch 164 installed to control the presence of clamping         nosepiece 97, which guarantees a good bearing of the iron.         Microswitch 164 guarantees a good bearing of iron 2 on heating         subassembly 103 during the filling of tank 26. If the contact is         not established, it is impossible to power the elements of         station 110 taking part in the water function.     -   surge protection valve 134 installed on boiler 127. Any         overpressure in the water circuit for any cause whatsoever,         causes a return thereof, in closed circuit, to boiler 127         through bent pipe 146.     -   a reflective plate 165 fastened to supporting cradle 140, for         example, via hollow rivets 166. Plate 165 is formed of a         reflective material having a low thermal conduction, for         example, polished stainless steel having a thickness from 0.3 mm         to 0.5 mm or of an insulator having a thickness from 0.3 to 0.5         mm made of a composite rigid sheet based on mica having a         surface which would have been coated with a reflective product.

Reflective plate 165 substantially has the same surface area as heating subassembly 103. The reflective plate has a double function, on the one hand of protecting from heat the motorization elements of the water function and the inside of the tank base, on the other hand of reflecting the thermal radiation emitted by heating subassembly 103 back towards it, improving its temperature rise speed. Reflective plate 165 is placed substantially parallel to the surface of heating subassembly 103 and at a distance d from its cooling fins, the distance being adjusted according to needs, on construction of the base, according to the iron power.

There is a multitude of possible construction possibilities to create motorization assembly 153, and to determine the characteristics of mini-pump 147. Examples of parameters will be described.

The total average duration of an ironing sequence may be 2 minutes, and thus 120 seconds comprising:

-   -   70 seconds for the actual ironing, used a the level of the         invention to heat the heating subassembly 103 and the water         contained in boiler 127; and     -   50 seconds to take back to its set point temperature soleplate 4         of cordless iron 2 laid on base 3 and fill back with water tank         26 of iron 2.

For the semi-automated refill with hot water of tank 26 of iron 2, a stroke C of penetration of feeding shuttle 139 into female outlet 27 of the iron of 30 mm plus or minus 0.5 mm may be selected. The 50-s duration available for this operation, may be divided into:

-   -   a duration of 5 s for the “forward” stroke of penetration into         female outlet 27 of the iron;     -   a duration of approximately 40 s for the hot water injection or         pump operation duration;     -   a duration of 5 s for the return stroke back to the initial         position.

An endless screw 141 with standard pitch M12, that is, 1.75 mm per revolution, may be selected. In this case, to travel a forward or return stroke of 30 mm, 30/1.75=17.2 revolutions have to be made, that is, if 5 s are available, a rotation speed of 17.2*60/5=206 revolutions/min is necessary for counterdriven gear 156.

It may be chosen to set the center-to-center distance between gears 155 and 156 to 45 mm and to define counterdriven gear 156 by 52 teeth at module 1, which provides a primitive radius Rpt of 52/2=26 mm. Drive gear 155 may then be defined by a primitive radius Rp2=45 −26=19 mm, which results in a number of teeth at module 1 of 19×2=38 teeth, and a rotation speed of 206*52/38=280 revolutions/min.

A capacity of 200 cl may be selected for iron tank 26. In semi-automated mode, the latter can be refilled as soon as its level has decreased by half, this level being determined either by a visual mark or by contactless detection means. Mini-pump 147 should in this case inject back 100 cl within 34 s, which results in a flow rate in the order of 0.2 l/min, that is, approximately 30 Uhr.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of an ironing station 185 with a fully automated control.

Ironing station 185 comprises most of the mechanical elements of semi-automated ironing station 110, in particular:

-   -   heating subassembly 103;     -   feeding shuttle 139;     -   tank assembly 145;     -   motorization assembly 153.

Ironing station 185 comprises all the elements of ironing station 110 relative to the water function except for a reduced boiler 190 which replaces boiler 127. Reduced boiler 190, which incorporates plunger subassembly 120, remains formed of the same parts, except for:

-   -   a low cover 191 which replaces cover 128, dished and equipped         with two check valve holders 128 a located at the same         locations;     -   a short-finned plate 192 which replaces finned plate 122.

Ironing station 185 further comprises a mobile nosepiece 193 replacing clamping nosepiece 97. Mobile nosepiece 193 pivots around axis 102 and is laterally held in position by the sides of supporting cradle 140. Integrated ring 97 a is suppressed, wall 193 a being kept to support resilient band 98. Simple arm 97 b is replaced with a supporting arm 193 b, having the same shapes and bulks as simple arm 97 b. Supporting arm 193 b supports a female nut 194 and is provided at its end with a wedging pad 193 c instead of wedging pad 97 c.

The displacements of mobile nosepiece 193 are ensured by the following means:

-   -   female nut 194, which is installed so as to freely rotate around         supporting arm 193 b;     -   a motorization 196 provided on its axis with a threaded rod 195.         Motorization 196 may be formed of a motor associated with an         independent gear system or with a gear motor rotating at a         predetermined speed. The selected means should have a reversible         rotation direction and have the ability of controlling the         length of stroke Cl of female nut 194 in one direction or in the         other. Means identical to those associated with motorization         assembly 153 may be used;     -   a yoke 197 fastened to the back of motorization 196; and     -   a rear shaft 198, supported by yoke 197, supporting the         motorization, laterally immobilized and coupled to the walls of         supporting cradle 140.

Ironing station 185 comprises all the elements of ironing station 110 relative to the function of mechanical connection of the elements taking part in the water function.

Concerning the function of electric connection of the elements taking part in the water function, switches 161, 162, and 163 are suppressed. The powering via cable 167 coupling the outputs of general switch 160 to the motor-driven components of the water function is kept but it ends up in an electronic control device 200. The connections are ensured according to needs, either by wires, or by welded metal connections. One can distinguish, coupling electronic control device 200 to the different elements of the water function:

-   -   connections 201, 202, 203 coupled to motorization as-assembly         153;     -   connections 204, 205, 206 coupled to motorization 196; and     -   connections 207, 208, coupled to mini-pump 147.

A switch 209 is placed on the circuit powering mini-pump 147. Switch 209 enables to control mini-pump 147 independently from electronic control device 200.

Except for the manipulations for starting the tank base of station 185, all the motorized motions are driven by electronic control device 200.

It is possible for station 185 not to comprise microswitch 164, the security being integrated in the driving by electronic control device 200.

Station 185 may comprise surge protection valve 134 in-stalled on boiler 127 and reflective plate 165 fastened to supporting cradle 140.

The automation suppresses all interventions by the user during the operation of ironing station 185, except for the interventions necessary for the starting. In particular, all manipulations for refilling the iron tank with water are sup-pressed. The aim is to automatically supply the iron tank with the quantity of water, close to the evaporation temperature, necessary and sufficient to ensure a short ironing duration, at least equal to that of an average ironing sequence, for example, in the range from 1.5 minute to 2 minutes.

The operating criteria determined for semi-automated ironing station 110 may be kept.

Iron 2 of ironing station 185 may comprise a new tank 212 to replace tank 26, having a capacity smaller than that of tank 26, for example, in the range from 8 cl to 12 cl.

Ironing station 185 may further comprise means for detecting the quantity of water remaining in tank 212 when the iron is placed back on its base. Such a detection may be performed by weighting, visual detection or other. It may be chosen to detect the presence of water or not, when the iron is laying on its base, between a high sensor 210 and a low sensor 211 located at different levels in tank 212. The sensors are coupled to electronic control device 200 by a twin-wire cable 213.

A decrease in the quantity of water to be heated is obtained by the use of a reduced boiler 190. The capacity of boiler 190 may be between 10 cl and 13 cl and its heating power may be between 200 W and 250 W.

One can thus obtain:

-   -   A decrease in the quantity of water embarked in tank 212 of the         iron. As compared with a conventional tank having a capacity         generally in the range from 18 cl to 30 cl, such a decrease may         reach from 15 cl and 20 cl, that is, a decrease in the iron         weight, at the beginning of a sequence, in the range from 150 g         to 200 g.     -   A decrease in the power consumed to rise in temperature, hold         the temperature, and vaporize the water contained in reduced         boiler 190. Such a power consumption saving may be in the range         from 100 W to 200 W.     -   A lengthening of the iron running time, by substituting to the         decrease of water mass saved in tank 212 an increase in the         aluminum mass forming the thermal power reserve of the         soleplate, for example, by increasing thickness Ep thereof.

The improvement of the performance of station 185 may be characterized by:

-   -   a limitation of the filling with water of the iron tank on         execution of one or two ironing sequences only, that is, for         example, an input, for each feeding, in the range from 2 cl to         10 cl;     -   a limitation of the injection of hot water ready to be         vaporized, from a reduced boiler 190, only to the quantity         corresponding to the new need defined hereabove;     -   a decrease or a balanced redistribution of the saved electric         power, consecutive to the decrease in the quantity of water to         be heated; and     -   a possibility of obtaining steam flow rates equivalent to those         of known steam generators, due to the ability to increase the         quantity of vaporized water due to its high temperature at the         drip outlet in iron 2.

FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of an ironing station 215 with a fully automated control.

Ironing station 215 comprises all the mechanical elements of ironing station 185, that is:

-   -   heating subassembly 103;     -   supporting tank assembly 145;     -   the other elements taking part in the water function, mainly         including reduced boiler 190 and mini-pump 147; and     -   mobile nosepiece 193.

Ironing station 215 further comprises the elements relative to the security and to the driving assigned to these functions of station 185.

Unlike station 185, station 215 comprises a direct injection subassembly 220 comprising:

-   -   a new tank 221; and     -   an injection nozzle 227.

The new tank 221 has the same capacity as tank 212 to keep a performance identical to the two automated tank base versions. It comprises, in its front portion, a drip, and is adapted to the suppression of shuttle 139, which will visually reflect, further, in the cordless iron soleplate, by the disappearing of the hole necessary for the passage thereof. Tank 221 comprises, in its rear portion, a protrusion 221 a equipped with a female tip 222 provided with an access hole 222 a which may comprise a significant inlet taper 222 b. Female tip 222 is fitted with two 0-rings 223 and integrates a check valve formed of a spherical ball 224, or a spring 225, and of a plug 226.

Injection nozzle 227 comprises a resilient pad 227 a overmolding a spraying nozzle 228 and a connection tip 229 with a feeding pipe 230 which replaces silicone pipe 35.

Station 215 advantageously has a lower cost than station 185 due to the suppression of part of the elements contained in station 185 and to a simplification of the construction.

However, station 215 may exhibit an electric security risk. Indeed, the fact of placing at the back of the iron the water refill, by a discontinuous feeding device installed close to the electric power supply, may cause, either by the presence of water droplets remaining in female tip 222 or by a faulty operation of too slow a removal of the iron or also due to a significant wearing of the seals, or to local condensation, a presence of residual water capable of incidentally causing an electric connection between powered-on portions and portions of the back of the iron in contact with the user.

Station 215 may further exhibit a risk of painfulness linked to the bad ergonomics generated by the fact that, to install the iron, it has to be well guided and pressed on to have injection nozzle 228 penetrate into female tip 222. Similarly, an at least identical effort has to be applied to perform the removal and retrieve the charged iron. It is estimated that an effort in the range from 100 g to 300 g has to be developed for each maneuver, given the clamping exerted by O-rings 223. Given the user's position relative to the working table and to the ironing tool, such a gesture may be non-ergonomical and may rapidly cause non-negligible fatigue.

Station 215 is more intended for a use of short duration, shorter for example than 30 minutes, while station 185 is intended for all other uses.

It remains possible for those skilled in the art to suppress the ergonomics-related risk by constructing, based on the different previously-described embodiments, a tank base using the principle of a mobile injection cannula which would be located at the back of the iron, but they imperatively have to know, on the one hand, that the cost will be higher, and on the other hand that additional isolation precautions will have to be taken to guarantee the user's security.

FIG. 14 partially shows another different embodiment of an ironing station 240 with a fully automated control.

Ironing station 240 comprises all the mechanical elements of ironing station 185, that is:

-   -   heating subassembly 103;     -   supporting tank assembly 145, not shown in FIG. 14;     -   the other elements taking part in the water function, mainly         including reduced boiler 190 and mini-pump 147, not shown in         FIG. 14.

Ironing station 240 further comprises the elements relative to the security and to the driving assigned to these functions of station 185.

As compared with stations 185 and 215, station 240 comprises a direct nasal injection device 241 located on the front of iron 2, and a new iron tank 242 which has the same capacity as tank 212 to keep a performance identical to the previously-described automated versions of ironing stations. It comprises, in its front portion, a drip, and is adapted to the suppression of shuttle 139, which will visually reflect in soleplate 4 of the iron, by the disappearing of the hole necessary for the passage thereof.

The new tank 242 comprises a tip 242 a which follows the shape of iron nose 244 and is equipped with a housing 243.

Nasal injection subassembly 241 is extrapolated from clamping nosepiece 193. It comprises a cannula holder portion 241 a which replaces wall 193 a and identically copies from clamping nosepiece 193, the following elements:

-   -   resilient band 98 and shaft 102;     -   supporting arms 241 b replacing supporting arm 193 b;     -   wedging pad 241 c replacing wedging pad 193 c;     -   all the motorization elements, that is, female nut 194,         motorization assembly 196, and threaded rod 195.

Cannula holder portion 241 a imprisons between a junction plate 241 d and lateral walls 241 e a resilient tip support 244, overmolding on the one hand a curved injection cannula 246 and on the other hand a tube 247 having silicone connection pipe 248 connecting nasal injection subassembly 241 to mini-pump 147 sleeved thereon.

The function of cannula holder 241 a is to enable to introduce curved injection cannula 245 into housing 243 by pivoting around axis 102. The tightness of the connection is ensured by a device 243 a of socalled “duck-bill” type particularly used in underwater diving devices, formed of two plates 243 b pressed against each other, which fulfill a double function: they follow the contour of curved injection cannula 245 when it is inserted therebetween, and they ensure, once the curved injection cannula has been removed, the inner tightness since they close against each other.

Station 240 has a simple and very economical construction but has the disadvantage that injection cannula 246 is protruding on top of the station, where it is highly exposed and risks being submitted to repeated shocks as the iron is placed back on its base.

Specific embodiments have been described. Various alterations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Although in the previously-described embodiments, the means for heating the iron or the base comprise tubular heaters, it should be clear that other types of heating means may be used. As an example, the means for heating the iron and/or the base may correspond to flat overmolded heaters or to ceramics having a positive temperature coefficient (CTP). Further, although in the previously-described embodiments, boiler 20, 127, 190 is arranged in tank 22, 145 housed in base 3, it should be clear that the boiler may be arranged outside of the first tank and supplied with water originating from tank 22, 145.

Further, various embodiments with different variations have been described hereabove. It should be noted that those skilled in the art may combine these various embodiments and variations without showing any inventive step. In particular, the direct injection subassembly 220 of station 215 previously described in relation with FIG. 12 may be used with semi-automated control station 110. 

1. An ironing station comprising a cordless iron and a base, the iron comprising first heating means, the base comprising a first water tank, a plate, second means for heating the plate, and third means for heating at least part of the water from the first tank.
 2. The station of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a control system capable, when the iron is laying on the plate, of electrically powering the first heating means and of interrupting the electric power supply of the second and third heating means and, when the iron is not laying on the plate, of electrically powering the second and third heating means.
 3. The station of claim 1, wherein the iron comprises a thermal inertia mass, wherein the first heating means are capable of heating the thermal inertia mass, and wherein the second heating means are capable of heating the plate up to a temperature at least 20° C. higher than the maximum set point temperature of the thermal inertia mass.
 4. The station of claim 1, wherein the first heating means consume an electric power in the range from 1,200 W to 2,400 W, wherein the second heating means consume an electric power in the range from 800 W to 1,600 W, and wherein the third heating means consume an electric power in the range from 600 W to 800 W.
 5. The station of claim 2, wherein the control system is capable of controlling the first, second, and third heating means so that the first heating means are not electrically powered at the same time as the second and third heating means, which results in an electric power consumed by the first heating means smaller than 2,400 W, plus or minus 10%, when the first heating means are used and an accumulation of the electric power consumed by the second and third heating means smaller than 2,400 W, plus or minus 10%, when the second and third heating means are used.
 6. The station of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a boiler contained in the first tank and wherein the third heating means are capable of heating the water present in the boiler up to a temperature in the range from 95% to 98% of the boiling temperature of water.
 7. The station of claim 1, wherein the electromechanical system is an electromechanical system comprising: a switch placed on an electric power supply circuit common to the second and third heating means; and a pusher capable of actuating the switch, the pusher protruding from the surface of the plate when the iron is not resting on the plate, and wherein, when the iron is not resting on the plate, the switch is on and enables current to flow to the second and third heating means and, when the iron is resting on the plate, the iron presses on the pusher which turns off the switch, which prevents the flowing of current to the second and third heating means.
 8. The station of claim 1, comprising a second tank housed in the iron and wherein the iron comprises a female outlet emerging towards the outside of the iron, the female outlet comprising an anti-backflow system.
 9. The station of claim 8, wherein the iron comprises a soleplate, the female outlet emerging onto the soleplate.
 10. The station of claim 6, wherein the base comprises a system for injecting water, originating from the first tank and heated in the boiler, comprising an injection nozzle capable of penetrating into a female outlet emerging towards the outside of the iron, the female out comprising an anti-backflow system.
 11. The station of claim 10, wherein the injection system comprises: a mobile filling shuttle comprising the injection nozzle; a pipe coupling the filling shuttle to the boiler; and a system for displacing the filling shuttle between a first position where the injection nozzle is outside of the female outlet and a second position where the injection nozzle penetrates into the female outlet.
 12. The station of claim 11, wherein the displacement system comprises at least one first manual control lever.
 13. The station of claim 11, wherein the displacement system comprises at least one electrical actuator.
 14. The station of claim 10, wherein the injection system comprises a system for pumping the water from the first tank after it has been heated in the boiler.
 15. The station of claim 14, wherein the pumping system comprises a plunger and at least one second manual control lever capable of actuating the plunger.
 16. The station of claim 14, wherein the pumping system comprises an electric pump.
 17. The station of claim 10, wherein the injection system further comprises a slide valve actuated by the pusher between a first configuration where the slide valve prevents the flowing of water in the pipe and a second configuration where the slide valve allows the flowing of water in the pipe. 